Portable Above-Ground Containment System and Method

ABSTRACT

An above-ground containment system comprises a plurality of truss assemblies, a band coupled to the truss assemblies, and a flexible liner. The truss assemblies are disposed in an arrangement defining a storage area. The band is coupled to the truss assemblies and encircles the storage area, and tensionably maintains the tress assemblies in the desired position. The liner is coupled to the truss assemblies and includes a central portion covering a base of the storage area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/545,956, filed Oct. 11, 2011, entitled “Temporary Above Ground Tank System Fabricated of Trusses and High Strength Steel Strand,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and to which priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an above-ground containment structure, and in particular a portable storage tank suitable for containing fluid or other solid or granular material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various industries and processes require a portable or movable storage tank or basin for storing product, both fluid and granular, on a temporary basis and in a cost effective manner. Several storage systems are known in the art. One conventional system includes a below-ground basin lined with a polymer material for retaining fluid. However, such basins or ponds are relatively expensive to form, requiring extensive excavation, and are prone to leakage and thus ground water and soil contamination. Other fluid retaining systems provide for a relatively large steel tank, which may be positioned below or above-ground. Such tanks are unwieldy and bulky, prone to rusting, and have not proven viable for relatively large volumes of fluid.

Another fluid retaining system includes an above-ground fluid retaining tank including a network of steel or concrete supports or walls. While such above-ground systems do not require extensive below-ground excavation, they are bulky and extremely heavy given the weight of the steel or concrete supports must counteract the outward forces generated by the weight of the fluid being retained. As such, the cost of transporting and installing the materials needed for such systems is relatively high given the total weight of the steel and concrete supports and walls. Likewise, the cost of dismantling and removing the steel and concrete supports and walls is likewise excessive. Thus, such conventional retaining systems are not truly portable, given the cost to assemble, and dissemble and remove such systems is excessive.

Such conventional fluid retaining systems are nevertheless needed and therefore used in a variety of industries and applications. One such industry that requires a readily available source of fluid is the natural gas and mining industry. Shale gas production has grown rapidly in the United States and elsewhere due in part to improved drilling and extraction methods. One extraction method is hydraulic fracturing, which involves the propagation of fractures in a rock layer caused by the presence of a pressurized fluid. Hydraulic fracturing is used to increase the rate at which fluids, such as natural gas or oil, can be extracted from rock layers or reservoirs.

Hydraulic fractures form naturally, such as in veins or dikes, and are one means by which gas and petroleum from source rock may migrate to reservoir rock formations. This fracturing process may be accelerated by injecting highly pressurized fracking fluid into a wellbore drilled into reservoir rock formations. The energy from the injection of the fracking fluid creates new channels in the rock, thereby increasing the extraction rates and ultimate recovery of the natural gas or other fuels. Thus, the created fractures provide a conductive path connecting a larger area of the reservoir to the well, thereby increasing the area from which natural gas or oil may be recovered from the targeted formation.

A hydraulic fracture is formed by pumping the fracking fluid into the wellbore at a rate sufficient to increase pressure downhole to exceed that of the fracture gradient of the rock. The rock is thereby cracked and the fracture fluid forced farther into the rock, thereby extending the crack. In order to prevent the formed fractures from closing when the injection process is stopped, a solid proppant (e.g., grains of sand or ceramic) is typically added to the fluid. The fracture is thus permeable enough to allow the flow of formation fluids (e.g, natural gas or oil) to the well.

In addition to proppants, the fracking fluid may also contain chemical additives, gels, foams, and compressed gases. However, water is the largest component of fracking fluid, typically accounting for approximately 98% of fracking fluids. Low-volume hydraulic fracturing used to stimulate high-permeability reservoirs may consume typically 20,000 to 80,000 gallons of fluid per well, while high-volume hydraulic fracturing, such as used in shale gas wells, may use two to three million gallons or more of fluid per well. Thus, fracturing operations require a relatively large and readily available source of water, such as from a fluid retaining basin or conventional tank.

The gas, oil or other substance is extracted from the wellbore along with wastewater, which may include the water and/or other components of the fracking fluid along with other naturally occurring elements such as salt, metals and other elements. Retaining basins or tanks are therefore also needed for containing the wastewater until it can be further processed or hauled away for treatment and/or disposal.

Conventional storage tanks and systems fail to provide an adequate solution for temporarily retaining large volumes of fluid, such as needed in the natural gas and oil industry. Such conventional tanks and systems are not easily assembled, dissembled or moved, and thus are not cost effective.

Accordingly, there is a need for a storage system that is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, and which provides for the storage of fluids and granular materials on a temporary basis and in a cost effective and efficient manner. In particular, there is a need for a portable, above-ground retaining structure that can accommodate relatively large volumes of material, including fluid or granular materials, such as one million or more gallons of such material. The present invention solves some or all of the above-noted deficiencies of conventional retaining systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an above ground, portable storage tank system or containment structure that may be be utilized for various applications for containing or retaining fluids and granular materials.

An above-ground containment system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of truss assemblies, one or more retaining bands, and a liner. Each the truss assemblies includes a first portion and an opposite second portion. The first portions of the truss assemblies are disposed in an arrangement defining a periphery of a storage area. Preferably, the storage area has a substantially circular or elliptical configuration in plan view. The second portions of the truss assemblies are disposed outwardly from the storage area. The band(s) is coupled to the second portions of the truss assemblies and encircles the storage area. The band tensionably maintains the plurality of tress assemblies in the arrangement. The liner has a peripheral portion coupled to the first portions of the truss assemblies and a central portion covering a base of the storage area.

In one embodiment, the containment system is capable of retaining at least about 50,000 thousand gallons of material in the storage area. More preferably, the system is capable of retaining at least about 2 million gallons of material is the storage area. In one implementation, the system is capable of retaining at least about 3 million gallons of material in the storage area.

In one embodiment, the band is high strength wire strand. The containment system may include a single retaining band, or alternatively two or more retaining bands that are coupled to the outer portions and encircle the storage area.

In one embodiment, the first portions of the truss assemblies include a planar panel portion angled outwardly and away from the base of the storage area. The second portions may include a plurality of support beams disposed substantially perpendicular to the base of the storage area.

In one embodiment, each of the second portions of the truss assemblies comprises a load transfer plate. The load transfer plates of the arranged truss assemblies collectively form a load transfer ring encircling the storage area. The band(s) is coupled to the load transfer ring.

In one embodiment the containment system includes a leakage monitoring system. In one implementation, the leakage monitoring system includes a perforated pipe extending across a portion of the base of the storage area, and a monitoring pipe. The liner covers the perforated pipe and monitoring pipe. The monitoring pipe includes a lower end coupled to the perforated pipe and an upper end disposed out of the storage area and accessible by a user.

The present invention is also directed to a truss assembly for a storage structure. The truss assembly includes a planar panel portion disposed in an arrangement with a plurality of additional truss assemblies to define a periphery of a storage area. A truss portion includes a first portion coupled to the planar panel portion and an opposite second portion. A load transfer plate is coupled to the second portion of the truss portion, and includes a retaining member configured to secure a tensioning band thereto. The load transfer plates of the truss assemblies disposed in the arrangement form a load transfer ring configured to receive the tensioning band.

In one embodiment, the truss assembly includes a puncture resistant liner coupled to the planar panel portion. The liner may be formed from a linear low-density polyethylene. In some embodiments, the truss assembly additionally includes a backing layer intermediate the liner and the planar panel portion. The truss assembly components may be formed from various materials, including but not limited to wood, wood composite, plastic, or metal.

The present invention also relates to a method of erecting an above-ground storage structure. The method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of truss assemblies, each of the truss assemblies including a first portion including a planar panel and an opposite second portion including a load transfer plate; positioning the plurality of truss assemblies so that the planer panels of the first portions of the truss assemblies define a periphery of a storage area, and the load transfer plates form a load transfer ring; coupling a band to the load transfer ring so that the band is surrounding the truss assemblies and the storage area; applying tension to the band so that the planar panels of the truss assemblies are aligned along the periphery of the storage area; and coupling a peripheral portion of a liner to the planar panels of the truss assemblies so that the liner is covering a base of the storage area. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of truss assemblies is positioned in one of a substantially circular or a substantially elliptical configuration in plan view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a containment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the containment structure showing an arranged plurality of truss assemblies, retaining band and flexible liner.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevational view of a truss assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of a truss assembly and liner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a truss assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a cut-away view of layers of a liner system and panel of the truss assembly.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of a truss assembly, liner and backing layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of a truss assembly and partial views of adjacent aligned truss assemblies disposed in an arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of truss assemblies disposed in a circular arrangement, and showing a portion of a leakage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the leakage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevational view of a truss assembly and a portion of the leakage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of another portion of the truss assembly and leakage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an above ground storage tank system or containment structure that may be be utilized in various industries and applications for the containment of materials, including both fluids and granular materials. The disclosed storage system is relatively portable or movable, and may be quickly and easily erected at a particular site, with little to no site preparation required. Once the need for storage at the particular site is met, the disclosed system may be easily disassembled and/or relocated to another site. The environmental impact at the site is therefore minimal. The disclosed system includes a plurality of truss assemblies or segments, which are coupled together and maintained in position via a retaining band or wire. Compared to conventional storage tanks and systems, and in particular non-movable or bulky conventional concrete storage systems, the system of the present invention provides the user with the flexibility to assemble and/or disassemble a storage structure quickly and easily, and for a fraction of the cost compared to other conventional systems.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an above-ground containment system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The containment system 10 includes a plurality of discrete truss assemblies 12 that are arranged in a selected orientation or arrangement A1 to define a periphery 14 of a storage area 16. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more bands 18 are coupled to the truss assemblies and surround or encircle the storage area 16. It should be understood that the illustration of five bands 18 in FIG. 3 is for purposes of explanation only, and systems including fewer or more than five bands 18 may be provided depending on the particular requirements of the systems (described in further detail below).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a puncture resistant liner 20 overlies the storage area 16 and is coupled to the truss assemblies 12. The containment system 10 is preferably capable of retaining at least about 50,000 gallons of fluid or other granular, powder or other material, more preferably at least about 100,000 gallons of fluid or other material, more preferably at least about 1 million gallons of fluid or material, more preferably at least about 2 million gallons of fluid or material, and in some implementations at least about 3 million gallons or more of fluid or other material.

Referring again to FIG. 3, each of the truss assemblies 12 includes a first portion 22 and an opposite second portion 24. The first portion 22 includes a planar portion or planar panel 26 having an outer face 28, whereby the plurality of outer faces 28 of the planar panels 26 define the periphery 14 of the storage area 16 when the truss assemblies 12 are selectively arranged (e.g., such as in arrangement A1). The second portion 24 of the truss assembly 12 is disposed outwardly and spaced from the storage area 16. In one embodiment, a secondary planar panel or top panel 30 is coupled to and extends between an upper end 32 of the first portion 22 and an upper end 34 of the second portion 24.

In a preferred embodiment, components of the truss assemblies 12 are formed from wood or engineered wood products. In other embodiments, components of the truss assemblies 12 may be constructed from other materials such as a polymer and polymer composites (e.g., a reinforced polymer composite), light gauge steel, cold formed steel, hot rolled steel, or another material having sufficient structural properties. Preferably, the truss assemblies 12 are relatively light weight and/or easily assembled or disassembled to facilitate ease of transport and positioning thereof. In one embodiment, the planar panels 26 are constructed of engineered wood sheeting; alternatively, the planar panels 26 are constructed of light gauge steel sheeting, or a polymer or polymer composite material.

The band(s) 18 is coupled to the second portions 24 of the truss assemblies 12, and encircles the arranged truss assemblies 12 and thus the storage area 16. The band(s) 18 tensionably maintains the truss assemblies 12 in the selected arrangement (e.g., such as arrangement A1). In one embodiment, each band 18 is a high strength steel tension band, such as utilized for pre-stressing and post tensioning precast concrete. In a preferred embodiment, the band is high strength 5 wire or 7 wire strand. For example, the band 18 may exhibit a tensile strength of 270,000 pounds per square inch or more.

As noted above, the containment system 10 may include more than one band 18, depending on the support required to resist the outwardly directed forces (shown by arrow F1 in FIG. 3) generated by the fluid or other material being stored within the storage area 16. For example, the system 10 may include five bands 18 coupled to the second portions 24 of the truss assemblies 12 and surrounding the storage area 16, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively and/or in addition, the strength of the band(s) 18 may be increased or decreased depending on the support required to resist the outwardly directed forces F1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, an outer portion 36 of the liner 20 is coupled to the outer faces 28 of the planar panels 26 of the truss assemblies 12. A central portion 38 of the liner 20 covers and defines a base 40 of the storage area 16. In one embodiment, a peripheral portion 42 of the liner 20 extends outwardly from the storage area 16, over and across the top panels 30, and against or adjacent the second portions 24 of the truss assemblies 12 as well as one or more of the bands 18, as shown in FIG. 4. The peripheral portion 42 may, but need not, be secured or coupled to the second portions 24, either directly or indirectly, thereby further maintaining the liner 20 in a desired position relative to the truss assemblies 12. In one embodiment, the liner 20 is formed from a flexible material, such as for example a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to one embodiment a backing layer 44 is provided intermediate the liner 20 and the outer faces 28 of the planar panels 26. The backing layer 44 may extend against or across the top panels 30, and optionally and additionally downwardly along or adjacent the second portions 24 of the truss assemblies 12. Thus, the backing layer 44 aids in maintaining the arrangement of and coupling together the truss assemblies 12 in their desired arrangement. Optionally and additionally, the backing layer 44 may extend outwardly from the outer faces 28 of the planar panels 26 and into the base 40 of the storage area 16, as shown in FIG. 6. One or more additional backing layers may be provided, as necessary for the particular site requirements. For example, a secondary backing layer 45 may be provided, on which the truss assemblies 12 rest, as shown in FIG. 6.

In one implementation, the backing layer 44 is formed from a flexible, permeable, non-woven material, such as a geotextile fabric. The geotextile backing material may be constructed of woven or non-woven material of various thicknesses, such as typically used in the earth moving and construction industries. The backing layer 44 may alternatively be constructed from another suitable material that provides adequate cushioning, adequate puncture protection, and adequate permeability and gas venting properties to protect the liner 20.

The liner system utilized may be constructed of a single layer or multiple layers of a scrim reinforced LLDPE or other similar material, such as typically used for landfill liners, pond liners, in-ground earthen impoundments, or the like. However, the liner system may alternatively be constructed of another suitable material capable of retaining fluid or granular material, providing adequate resistance to chemical degradation from the material being stored, and providing adequate puncture and ultra-violet resistance. The actual number of liner layers utilized is dependent on the material being stored, as well as on any storage regulations on such stored material.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the planar panels 26 of the truss assemblies 12 are preferably angled outwardly and away from the base 40 of the storage area 16. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second portions 24 include support beams 46 that are preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the base 40 of the storage area 16. Thus, the support beams 46 are also preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the ground or support surface on which the containment system 10 rests. A plurality of braces 48 extend between and interconnect the first portion 22 and the support beams 46 of the second portion 24. A bottom brace 49 may also be provided adjacent or coupled to a lower end 33 of the first portion 22 of each of the truss assemblies 12. The bottom brace 49 provides additional support to the individual truss assemblies 12, and may be constructed of wood, light gauge steel, engineered wood products, composite materials, a polymer material, or another material having sufficient structural properties.

It should be understood that the specific dimensions and number of support beams 46, planar panels 26 and other components of the first portion 22, and/or braces 48 may vary depending on the structural capabilities necessary and required for a particular application. Thus, the specific configuration of the truss assemblies 12 may vary depending on the particular application and in order to provide adequate structural loading for the particular application.

One of more load transfer plates 50 are coupled to and extend between the support beams 46 of the second portion 24 of each truss assembly 12. The load transfer plate(s) 50 is preferably formed from wood or engineering wood products, but may alternatively be formed from another material such as plastic, light gauge steel, composite materials, or some other material having adequate structural properties. Preferably, the load transfer plate 50 is formed from a relatively light weight material which permits a sufficient amount of flexure or curvature to account for the curved configuration of the outer portion of the truss assembly, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 7.

In one embodiment, the load transfer plate(s) 50 is connected to and extends across the support beams 46. Preferably, each truss assembly 12 includes at least an upper load transfer plate 50 proximate to a top portion 52 of the truss assembly 12, and a lower load transfer plate 50 proximate to a bottom portion 54 of the truss assembly 12. One or more intermediate load transfer plates 50 may be provided intermediate the upper and lower load transfer plates 50, as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, the load transfer plates 50 extend substantially parallel to each other, and substantially perpendicular to the length and longitudinal axis of the support beams 46.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the ends of each load transfer plate 50 associated with one truss assembly 12 align with correspondingly positioned ends of load transfer plates 50 on another adjacent truss assembly 12 when the truss assemblies 12 are disposed in the selected arrangement A1 forming the storage area 16. In this way, the load transfer plates 50 of the arranged truss assemblies 12 form one or more load transfer rings 56 surrounding the storage area. Opposite ends of the wire or cable material forming the band(s) 18 are coupled together using clamps, brackets or other such devices known to those of skill in the art. The band(s) 18 is coupled to one of the load transfer rings 56, such as via brackets, clamps or other such retaining members. Preferably, one or more bands 18 are coupled directly to and in engagement with the load transfer ring 56, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. Additional bands 18 may be coupled to other load transfer rings 56 provided on the truss assemblies. For example, two or more bands 18 may be coupled to one of the load transfer rings 56. Preferably, the load transfer rings 56, and thus bands 18, are vertically spaced along the height of the truss assemblies 12 in order to effectively resist the outwardly directed forces F1 (shown in FIG. 3) from the fluid or material being contained in the storage area 16.

The various loops of the bands 18 provide the necessary support required to resist the outwardly directed forces F1 or hoop stress generated by the fluid or granular material being contained in the storage area 16. Once the bands 18 are installed and an initial stress is imparted to each of the bands 18, the backing layer 44 may be draped over the top panel 30 and outer faces 28 of the planar panels 26 of the truss assemblies 12. The liner 20 is then placed within the storage area 16, and unrolled or positioned therein so that the entire base 40 of the storage area 16 is covered by the liner 20. The outer portion 36 of the liner 20 is coupled to and/or overlaps the backing layer 44, and thus is coupled to and/or overlaps the planar panels 26 and top panels 30 of the truss assemblies 12, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Depending on the required diameter of the storage area 16, the liner 20 may be formed from a single width of material (having one or more layers) or alternatively multiple pieces of material may be bonded or coupled together, such as by heat welding multiple pieces together, to achieve the required width.

In preferred embodiments, the storage area 16 has either a circular or elliptical configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. A circular or elliptical arrangement of truss assemblies 12 distributes the outwardly directed forces F1 generated by the fluid or material being stored in the storage area 16 more evenly to the encircling or surrounding band(s) 18. However, the storage area 16 may be of various shapes and sizes to meet the requirements of the particular application. In addition, the specific size and configuration of the truss assemblies 12 may vary depending on the requirements of the particular application. For example, the size and configuration of the containment system 10 may be determined based on the required storage volume, the material type (liquid or granular) to be stored, and the site requirements (e.g., regulatory requirements, topographical features, geological considerations, drainage considerations, waterways and ground water features of the site). The location, configuration and size of the system 10 may then be designed with consideration of such site requirements.

Preferably, the truss assemblies 12 are prefabricated off site, and then transported to the site as assembled and discrete segments to minimize on site construction time. The truss assemblies 12 may be placed directly on the ground or another suitable surface, which will ultimately serve as the base of the storage area 16. Preferably, the truss assemblies 12 are positioned on a relatively flat area. Alternatively or additionally, the ground G may be leveled or smoothed, with any larger rocks, brush or vegetation removed, in preparation for locating the containment system 10. A sand bedding S or other similar material suitable for quickly leveling the ground G may alternatively or additionally be utilized, as shown in FIG. 4.

It should be understood that the sand bedding S or other level material, and/or other ground preparations required prior to assembly and installation of the system 10, are minimal compared to site preparation requirements for conventional storage systems. For example, the sand bedding S for system 10 may have a depth of only several inches, depending on the conditions of the surface of the ground G. By comparison, a conventional above-ground storage tank typically requires a sub-base including structural fill (e.g., stone) having a depth of 8 feet or more in order to support the high forces and weight of the resulting tank. Conventional above-ground tanks, when filled with fluid, transfer virtually all of the weight from the material being stored downwardly or vertically relative to the ground. For example, a conventional above-ground tank may easily transfer a downward or vertical force on the ground exceeding 6000 pounds per square foot. By contrast, the disclosed system 10 transfers a substantial portion of the force from the weight of the stored material outwardly or horizontally, transferring the horizontal forces F1 outwardly and to the load transfer rings 56 and bands 18, as described above. Thus, the system 10 results in a substantial decrease in the downward forces (e.g., system 10 may transfer a vertical force of only 600 pounds per square foot, or 1/10 the vertical forces exhibited by a conventional tank of comparable size and storage holding capabilities).

When the truss assemblies 12 are properly positioned relative to each other at the desired site location, such as in a circular arrangement A1, the load transfer plates 50 are aligned to form load transfer rings 56, as described above. The specific size of the truss assemblies 12 and overall system 10 may vary depending on the particular application. For example, the truss assemblies 12 may have a height of about 12 feet or more, with the storage area 16 having a diameter of about 200 feet or more. Larger or smaller storage areas may be provided as desired. Thus, the height and width of the truss assemblies 12 may vary depending on the desired size of the storage area 16. Moreover, the angle at which the planar panels 24 are disposed relative to the base 40 of the storage area 16 (and thus the resulting configuration of the truss assemblies 12) may also vary depending on the size and load requirements for the system 10.

According to one embodiment, the containment system 10 includes a leakage monitoring well or system. In one implementation, the monitoring system includes a section of perforated pipe 60 extending across the base 40 of the storage area 16. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the perforated pipe 60 extends across substantially across a diameter of the storage area 16. As shown in FIG. 9, a channel C or depression may be formed or utilized in the ground G, and/or optionally or additionally in the bedding S. The perforated pipe 60 is then disposed within the channel C, so that the perforated pipe 60 is disposed beneath and vertically lower than the liner 20. One or more secondary liners 62 or fabric layers may be provided within the channel C, so that the perforated pipe 60 is disposed within the channel C, and between the secondary liner 62 and liner 20. Additionally, sand or other filler material may be placed around the perforated pipe 60, so that the perforated pipe 60 is substantially buried or disposed within the channel C beneath the base 40 of the storage area 16. Any fluid or material that leaks through the liner 20 is directed and flows toward the channel C and then into the perforated pipe 60.

The perforated pipe 60 is preferably angled downwardly within the channel C and along its longitudinal axis, so that an end 64 of the perforated pipe 60 is slightly lower than the opposing end 66 thereof. In this way, any fluid that collects or migrates into the perforated pipe 60 flows downwardly to the lower end 64. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the lower end 64 of the perforated pipe 60 is coupled to a lower end 68 of a monitoring pipe 70. The monitoring pipe 70 extends upwardly and out of the storage area 16, so that an upper end 72 thereof is disposed out of the storage area 16 and accessible to a user. Preferably, the monitoring pipe 70 is coupled to or adjacent the planar panel 26 of one of the truss assemblies 12, so that access to the upper end 72 of the monitoring pipe 70 is provided from or near the top panel 30 thereof.

The monitoring pipe 70 may be disposed between the backing layer 44 and the liner 20, as best shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, one or more secondary liners 74 or fabric layers may extend over and cover the monitoring pipe 70, so that the monitoring pipe 70 is disposed between the secondary liner(s) 74 and backing layer 44. Preferably, the monitoring pipe 70 is not porous and/or does not include any openings or perforations.

Any fluid that collects in the perforated pipe 60 is channeled downwardly and flows toward end 64, and is then visible through the monitoring pipe 70. Alternatively or additionally, the user may readily lower an appropriate gauge, fluid detection equipment, or absorbent material into the monitoring pipe 70 to the end 64 of the perforated pipe 60. Any fluid present at the end 64 of the perforated pipe 60 is readily detected. Thus, a cost efficient leakage monitoring system may be easily provided for the containment system 10.

After the truss assemblies 12 are in positioned in the predetermined arrangement (e.g., arrangement A1), the high strength steel tension wires are positioned around the arranged truss assemblies, with opposing ends of the wires connected to form the bands 18. The bands 18 are coupled to the load transfer ring(s) 56, as described above, so that the bands 18 surround the truss assemblies 12 and the storage area 16. The bands 18 and load transfer ring(s) 56 are distributed over the exterior or second portions 24 of the truss assemblies 12, so that the outwardly directed forces F1 or hoop stresses imparted on the truss assemblies 12 by the weight of the fluid or material ultimately disposed within the storage area 16 may be resisted. Upon coupling the bands 18 to the load transfer rings 56, the bands 18 are initially minimally pre-tensioned or pre-stressed in order to seat and further align the planar panels 26 of the truss assemblies 12 in their desired arrangement. As the bands 18 are further tensioned and tightened around the load transfer rings 56, the truss assemblies 12 are drawn into relatively tight engagement with each other.

Once the truss assemblies 12 are fully seated via the pre-tensioned bands 18, the backing layer 44 may be installed on the truss assemblies 12, followed by the liner system (e.g., such as liner 20). The liner 20 is coupled to the top panels 30 and planar panels 26 as noted above. Thus, the liner 20 covers the planar panels 26 and also defines the base 40 of the storage area 16. The particular configuration of the liner system, including the number of layers of liner to be utilized and installed, is determined in part by the material being stored, environmental regulations for storing such material, and other structural and safety considerations, as noted above.

Once the containment system 10 has been installed on site, the storage area 16 may be filled with material (fluid or granular) as needed for the particular application. As the storage area 16 of the system 10 is filled with the material, a horizontal load from the weight of the material is transferred outwardly (shown by outwardly extending forces F1 in FIG. 3) through the truss assemblies 12 and into the load transfer rings 56, and then to the high strength steel tension bands 18. As the height of the stored material is increased within the storage area 16, the tension forces within the bands 18 are increased. In addition, the slope of the outer faces 28 of the planar panels 26 imparts a vertical load or downward force F2 by the truss assemblies 12 so that the weight of the material within the storage area 16 is directed downwardly and into the ground G, thereby providing stability to the containment system 10.

The containment system 10 may be utilized on the site until storage at the site is no longer required. After the system 10 is no longer needed at the site, and the storage area 16 is emptied of any material therein, the system 10 may be easily disassembled and relocated to a different site and/or stored for future use. The liner system (e.g., backing layer 44 and liner 20) may be transported away for further use, or discarded. The bands 18 may then be unstressed and removed from the load transfer rings 56, and either salvaged or discarded. The truss assemblies 12 may then be disassembled and/or relocated to another site, where the system 10 may be readily reassembled for further use.

Having generally described the invention, the same will be more readily understood through reference to the following example, which is provided by way of illustration and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

EXAMPLE

1.25 Million Gallon (30,000 bbl) Design Specifications:

Panel Configuration:

-   -   Outside Diameter=160 ft     -   Average Inside Diameter=150 ft     -   Panel Length=15 ft-9 in     -   Panel Width at Base=6 ft-0 in     -   Panel Width at Top=2 ft-0 in     -   Number of panels=32     -   Allowable Fluid Storage Height=10 ft (2 ft Freeboard)     -   Design Fluid Storage Height=12 ft (Load Factor of Safety=1.2)     -   Fluid Density=64 pcf     -   Panel Loading=96 pcf (Load Factor of Safety=1.5)     -   Truss Chords=Min grade SYP No 2 (Some Pressure Treated)     -   Truss Webs=Min Grade SPF No 2 (Some Pressure Treated)     -   Truss Connections=TPA rated plates suitable for use with PT         Material     -   Plywood Sheeting=APA Rated Struct I sheeting, T & G (Some         Pressure Treated)

7 Strand Steel Pre-stressing/Post-tensioning Cables:

-   -   f_(pu)=270 ksi     -   Nominal Diameter (in)=0.6     -   Area, A_(ps) (sq. in)=0.215     -   Weight (plf)=0.74     -   0.7 f_(pu)*A_(ps)=40.7 kips (Resistance Factor of Safety=1.3)     -   50 mil protective sheathing

Liner System:

-   -   Geotextile Fabric: 10 oz heavy weight, needle punched,         non-woven, self-venting fabric     -   Liner Material: 30 mil LLDPE, scrim reinforced, UV stabilized,         20 year rated material     -   Geocomposite Material: 200 mil drainage material with 6 oz         needle punched, non-woven, self-venting fabric on each side.

System Features:

-   -   Fully supported liner system     -   Zero ground penetrations     -   Above ground system provides minimal earth disturbance     -   Low ground pressures, less than 650 psf     -   All system layers are self-venting     -   Integrated leak detection system

It should be understood that the example disclosed above is provided for purposes of illustration only, and the present invention is not so limited. A larger or smaller containment system may be provided as required by the particular application. For example, as disclosed above, a storage tank able to contain 3 million gallons or more of material may be provided. Accordingly, the specific dimensions and system capabilities noted in the example above are exemplary only.

All publications and patents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An above-ground containment system, comprising: a plurality of truss assemblies, each of said truss assemblies including a first portion and an opposite second portion, said first portions of said truss assemblies disposed in an arrangement defining a periphery of a storage area, and said second portions of said truss assemblies disposed outwardly from said storage area; a band coupled to said second portions of said truss assemblies and encircling said storage area, said band tensionably maintaining said plurality of tress assemblies in said arrangement; and a liner having a peripheral portion coupled to said first portions of said truss assemblies and a central portion covering a base of said storage area.
 2. The containment system of claim 1, wherein the storage tank system is capable of retaining at least about 50,000 thousand gallons of material in said storage area.
 3. The containment system of claim 2, wherein the storage tank system is capable of retaining at least about 2 million gallons of material is said storage area.
 4. The containment system of claim 1, wherein said band is high strength wire strand.
 5. The containment system of claim 1, wherein said band is a first band, further comprising at least a second band coupled to said outer portions and encircling said storage area.
 6. The containment system of claim 1, wherein each of said first portions comprises a planar panel portion angled outwardly and away from said base of said storage area.
 7. The containment system of claim 6, wherein said second portions comprise a plurality of support beams disposed substantially perpendicular to said base of said storage area.
 8. The containment system of claim 1, wherein each of said second portions comprises a load transfer plate, said load transfer plates collectively forming a load transfer ring encircling said storage area when said truss assemblies are disposed in said arrangement, and said band coupled to said load transfer ring.
 9. The containment system of claim 1, wherein each of said truss assemblies includes a plurality of braces extending between and interconnecting said first portion and said second portion.
 10. The containment system of claim 1, wherein said storage area has one of a substantially circular or a substantially elliptical configuration in plan view.
 11. The containment system of claim 1, wherein said truss assemblies are formed substantially from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, wood composite, plastic, and metal.
 12. The containment system of claim 1, further comprising a leakage monitoring system comprising: a perforated pipe extending across a portion of said base, said liner covering said perforated pipe; and a monitoring pipe including a first end portion coupled to said perforated pipe and a second end portion disposed out of said storage area.
 13. The containment system of claim 12, wherein said monitoring pipe is coupled to said first portion of one of said truss assemblies.
 14. A truss assembly for a storage structure, said truss assembly comprising: a planar panel portion disposed in an arrangement with a plurality of additional truss assemblies to define a periphery of a storage area; a truss portion including a first portion coupled to said planar panel portion and an opposite second portion; and a load transfer plate coupled to said second portion of said truss portion and including a retaining member configured to secure a tensioning band thereto, wherein said load transfer plates of said truss assemblies disposed in said arrangement form a load transfer ring configured to receive said tensioning band.
 15. The truss assembly of claim 14, further comprising a puncture resistant liner coupled to said planar panel portion.
 16. The truss assembly of claim 15, further comprising a backing layer intermediate said liner and said planar panel portion.
 17. The truss assembly of claim 15, wherein said liner is formed from a linear low-density polyethylene.
 18. The truss assembly of claim 14, wherein said truss portion is formed substantially from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, wood composite, plastic, and metal.
 19. The truss assembly of claim 14, wherein said load transfer plate is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, wood composite, plastic, and metal.
 20. A method of erecting an above-ground storage structure, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of truss assemblies, each of said truss assemblies including a first portion including a planar panel and an opposite second portion including a load transfer plate; positioning the plurality of truss assemblies so that the planer panels of the first portions of the truss assemblies define a periphery of a storage area, and the load transfer plates form a load transfer ring; coupling a band to the load transfer ring so that the band is surrounding the truss assemblies and the storage area; applying tension to the band so that the planar panels of the truss assemblies are aligned along the periphery of the storage area; and coupling a peripheral portion of a liner to the planar panels of the truss assemblies so that the liner is covering a base of the storage area.
 21. The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of truss assemblies are positioned in one of a substantially circular or a substantially elliptical configuration in plan view. 